Australian electrical distribution network operator Endeavour Energy will accelerate its A$4.8 million (nearly $4 million U.S.) initiative to build the first resilient energy community on the New South Wales South Coast with funding from the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund.
The Shoalhaven City Council has provided the site to install the new grid battery for the project. Bawley Point and Kioloa will be at the center of the microgrid project.
Those communities experienced four times as many outages as other comparable areas, according to reports. Endeavour Energy CEO Guy Chalkley explained that the project will provide resilient energy supply at the time of extreme weather events.
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“Microgrids are clever ways to use locally generated renewable energy which is cost efficient and reliable. Microgrids eliminate the need for large substations so in time these savings, will be passed on to customers. It’s a win for them, the network and the environment as our network creates the kind of sustainable benefits that we all want,” he said.
“With funding from the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund and support from Shoalhaven City Council, we are able to fast-track the delivery of our first microgrid to ensure the Bawley Point and Kioloa communities have a reliable power supply when they need it most,” he added.
Additionally, Endeavour Energy is working with the Shoalhaven City Council to install smart LEDs as replacements for more than 170 streetlights to ensure more efficient energy usage.
